Australian Open: Novak Djokovic registers 300th Grand Slam win
World number one Novak Djokovic defeated Milos Raonic in two hours and 56 minutes on Rod Laver Arena to book a spot in the Australian Open quarter-finals for the 12th time. With 7-6 (7-4), 4-6, 6-1, 6-4 victory over Canadian number 14 seed, Djokovic went on to record his 300th win at Grand Slams. Here is more on the same.
How did the match pan out?
The first set, which saw some competitive action, went to the tie-break. Djokovic won the crucial tie-break, eventually clinching the 56-minute opening set. However, Raonic made a quick recovery in the second set (6-4). The former romped past Raonic in the third set, winning 6-1. Although Raonic fought back in the fourth set, Djokovic got the better of him (6-4).
Djokovic only behind Federer in terms of Grand Slam wins
With this, Djokovic became only the second man after Roger Federer to record 300 match wins at the four Grand Slam championships (300-45). In the Open Era, only Federer has won more matches (362-59) than Djokovic.
Djokovic struck 41 winners, including 10 aces
Djokovic showed few signs of the abdominal muscle injury that he picked up in his third-round victory over 27th seed Taylor Fritz earlier. Meanwhile, the former struck 41 winners, including 10 aces to outclass Raonic. With this, Djokovic improves to a 12-0 ATP head-to-head record against the Canadian, who also struck as many as 26 aces in the match.
Djokovic to face Zverev in quarter-finals
Djokovic, who is unbeaten in 2021 (six matches), will now face sixth-seeded German Alexander Zverev in the quarter-finals. Notably, Djokovic leads Zverev 5-2 in their ATP head-to-head series, including a 6-7 (3), 6-2, 7-5 victory at the recent ATP Cup.
I had no preparation for this match: Djokovic
Speaking after the win, Djokovic said, "I had no preparation for this match. I used every hour I had to recover since the Taylor match." "My physio and those of the ATP and Australian Open gave me their best support to get on the court. I've definitely been fitter in the past and I will continue to take each day one at a time."
